Garcia, a Democrat who is favored to win a congressional seat in November, has demanded Abbott call a special election promptly for her soon-to-be-vacant state Senate seat.

Abbott, a Republican, has repeatedly refused, saying Garcia failed to send him a proper resignation letter. In late July, Garcia wrote to the governor that she intends to resign on Jan. 2. Abbott and his staff say an intent to resign is not sufficient, and that Garcia needs to provide a date certain for her resignation. Garcia disagrees.